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Geography · Grades 2–5

Grid maps, directions and symbols

These tasks use north at the top, east to the right and coordinates written column then row.

Make a worksheet

Understand the idea

Read the convention

These tasks use north at the top, east to the right and coordinates written column then row.

Use the legend

A map symbol gets its meaning from the stated key.

Follow one step at a time

Keep track of the current location after every move.

Worked examples

On a north-up map, which direction is to the left?

West lies left when north is up.

west

A map key says a triangle marks a campsite. What does a triangle on this map mean?

Use the map's stated key.

campsite

Try it yourself

  1. Using column then row, what does B3 identify?

    1. column B, row 3
    2. column 3, row B
    3. all of column B
    4. three places north of B

  2. Start at column A, row 2. Move one column east. What is your new grid reference?

  3. You face north and turn right by a quarter-turn. Which direction do you face?

    1. east
    2. north
    3. south
    4. west

  4. Which feature best explains unfamiliar symbols on a map?

    1. the page price
    2. the printer's logo
    3. the legend
    4. the paper thickness

Answers and marking notes

Answers and marking notes
  1. column B, row 3

    The coordinate convention determines the order.

  2. B2

    East moves to the next column, with the row unchanged.

  3. east

    A quarter-turn right rotates clockwise through 90°.

  4. the legend

    The legend gives symbol meanings.

Preview material · independent educational review required. Grade bands are approximate, not official curriculum alignment.